“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to play Division One cricket at a Test Match ground for a club, like Lancashire, with such a great history and tradition. I have been hugely impressed by the vision for the future and playing a part in that alongside some hugely talented individuals and strong leaders.”

Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple said: “I am very pleased Keaton has signed for Lancashire as I know there were other counties chasing his signature. He’s exactly the type of character and player I feel will add strength and depth to our squad.

“Keaton is a fantastic addition for the club and he will be an important part of the squad, in all formats of the game, over the coming years.”

The 25-year-old was the leading run-scorer in the County Championship last season. He made 1,548 runs at an average of 64.5 with seven centuries, including a double hundred against Yorkshire, which led to his England call up.

2:18

Jennings humbled and honoured after a special debut

A special 72 hours for the man of the hour, Keaton Jennings, who had a Test debut to remember as he smashed a brilliant hundred.

He struck a magnificent 112 on his debut for England but struggled to replicate that form in his subsequent 11 Test innings, with 54 his next highest score. He is in contention to be included in England's squad to tour Australia, which is announced on Wednesday.

Jennings' departure follows hot on the heels of Paul Coughlin and Graham Onions, who have both decided to leave Durham.

Chairman Sir Ian Botham said: “Keaton has been an important player for Durham, a natural leader and I have been hugely impressed by his professionalism and courtesy through what has been a very difficult decision for him. I would like to take the opportunity to wish him well for the future.”

Later on Tuesday, Lancashire also announced the capture of former England seamer Onions. His arrival follows the early release of Kyle Jarvis, who is to return to his native Zimbabwe to play international cricket.

Chapple added: “We’re delighted to strengthen the squad with the signing of Graham. He is a vastly experienced bowler who is proven at this level. He will complement a number of our young and exciting bowlers who we currently have within the group and this will be another experienced player that they can learn from."

Onions has played an important role in Durham’s success since making his debut and was involved in winning three County Championships in 2008, 2009 and 2013 as well as Durham’s triumphant Royal London One-Day Cup campaign most recently in 2014.

Onions said: “I am hugely excited at the opportunity to work with Head Coach Glen Chapple, a fellow pace bowler who I’ve greatly admired, and join up with Lancashire over the next two years. It was an incredibly hard decision to leave Durham, having played there for my whole career and I certainly leave with a heavy heart.

"There are some very exciting, young bowlers within the squad already and I’m looking forward to working with them to see how we can continually improve as a bowling unit.”